According to statistics, over 85% of Americans own a car. With such a high number of drivers on the road, America has some of the heaviest traffic congestion, making it challenging to drive peacefully, especially if you live in a city.
When you start learning how to drive, your instructor may give you all the tips on how to stay safe on the road. Unfortunately, as you get used to driving, you forget this useful advice, which puts you at risk of being involved in car accidents.
So, here are ten things you should always do to stay safe on the road:
- Leave Early
We are all busy trying to meet a deadline here, rushing to pick a child from soccer practice or simply running to work. While you may think driving in a hurry is normal, it’s more stressful and dangerous. This may lead to a fatal road accident.
Ensure you leave the house early to allow for enough time to drive from point A to B without having to rush. If it’s possible, leave ten to twenty minutes earlier to allow for any unexpected delays.
- Avoid Distracted Driving
When you were of driving age, every adult cautioned you about texting and driving. You may have even seen sappy TV adverts about the dangers of distracted driving. However, this is an important rule to follow if you want to drive safely.
According to a recent study, texting and driving account for over 330,000 injuries every year in America alone. Ensure you concentrate on the road and avoid distractions such as texting.
However, suppose you are in an accident that led to injuries, and the other driver’s distracted driving caused the accident. In that case, you can hire a distracted driving accident lawyer to represent you in your compensation claim.
- Check the Weather Before Leaving the House
Checking the weather will help you predict any delays on the road. If it’s snowing, you can start getting your car ready for your journey in advance. Your vehicle needs different things for different weather conditions.
You may need to change your tires and install snow tires; you may also need windshield protectors. Checking the weather also helps you leave early to avoid rushing through traffic to arrive on time, which could end up in a devastating accident.
- Remain Calm
Road rage affects almost every driver on the road today. Even the calmest and the most patient individual may experience road rage. Other non-road-related factors may already stress you, and then someone tries to cut you off or you start getting irritated by the never-moving traffic.
If you notice that you are getting more irritated, start taking deep breaths to remain calm. Getting annoyed and taking it out on another driver on the road may further delay your journey, making you late for whatever you’re rushing to do.
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Today, everyone uses GPS and navigation systems to move from point A to B. While it’s great not to stop often to ask a random stranger for directions, ensure you are aware of your surroundings. Don’t just drive through a roadblock or a construction zone because your GPS says it’s the fastest route available.
As much as you want to rely on technology, remember also to be safe. Road accidents happen in a flash of a second. Thus keep an eye on your environment when driving.
- Always Keep Your Car Well Maintained
If you own a vehicle, it’s essential to keep it in top shape to avoid expensive repairs and unexpected breakdowns in the middle of the road. You will need to change the car’s oil often, take it for annual inspection and maintenance, replace any damaged tail lights and get the engine checked for any sign of failure.
If you notice any issue with your car, don’t assume it will just go away; contact a specialist for an inspection. Your vehicle may break down in the middle of the road, which can be potentially dangerous to you and other drivers around you.
- Use Your Signal Lights
This rule should apply wherever you are on the road. If you want to change lanes or exit the road, check out for other road users and signal your intentions.
Signaling allows other drivers to understand your intentions and plan themselves around your anticipated movement direction. If a car is behind you, it will slow down, and the others will get out of the way, allowing you passage.
- Plan Ahead
If you drive to a new state, ensure you check out the states’ driving rules before getting behind the wheel. Some areas prohibit talking on a handheld device while driving, and others don’t. Different states have different traffic laws regarding signaling, passing, speeding, and vehicle maintenance.
Being ignorant will not get you a pass on a traffic ticket. Conduct some research beforehand to avoid being caught off-guard.
- If You Are Tired Rest Don’t Drive
Have you ever driven for a long distance without sleeping or resting? This could be a recipe for disaster, especially if you are going on a road trip. Driving while tired or sleepy could lead to loss of control.
The wheel controls your car’s direction helping you avoid a car crash. If you lose control of the wheel, you may collide with oncoming traffic.
If you are tired and sleepy, stop the car and get some sleep. You could also let someone else take the wheel so that you can rest.
- Always Stay Prepared for Emergencies
While we all strive to be safe drivers to avoid road accidents, it’s essential to stay prepared at all times. Have critical information such as your insurance information and the number of a tow truck with you wherever you hit the road. Ensure you also bring emergency supplies such as a spare tire and a jumper cable if you need them.
Follow the Above Tips to Stay Safe on the Road
Any choice you make before and after you get behind the wheel could have lasting results. Ensure you follow the above tips to stay safe on the road. Always stay prepared and remain calm while you are on the road.
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